Mall Apologizes for Asking Muslim Woman to Remove Niqab

CENTRAL NJ -- An apology was issued to a local Muslim woman who was told twice by security at a mall in New Jersey to remove her niqab, which covers her face from the public.

Troy Fischer, senior general manager with the , said the woman was approached by a security officer, who is an employee of IPC International, an outside vendor contracted by the mall for security.

"IPC International issued an apology to the shopper, provided additional training to the officer and committed themselves to expand their diversity efforts," he said.

According to an article on ABCLocal, Wakeelah Salaam, of Elizabeth, was approached by a security guard while shopping May 19 and told to remove her head covering, which covered all of her face except her eyes, and is worn for religious purposes.

Salaam was approached a second time by the same security guard very soon after, and told again to remove the covering, the article said.

The article said that Salaam spoke with police about the incident and then left the mall because she was uncomfortable with how she was being treated.

Fischer said he hopes they can move forward from the incident.

"Bridgewater Commons welcomes shoppers of all diversities and certainly hopes this shopper will return," Fischer said.

What do you think about this incident? Was the apology from the company enough?